Many sefarim talk about the deep meaningful insights in the practices in the chagim apart from giving us a better understanding of Hashem and out avoda should we have thease ideas as part of our kavonoh when we perform the mitzvah? ie the four cups on pesach and the many reasons why we drink them. Thank you so much for your wonderful help.

Gidon Lyons,
Jerusalem

Rabbi Leff's response

Do we see anywhere that burying items with the dead is practiced.

Gidon Lyons,
Jerusalem

Rabbi Leff's response

Why on Shabbat does the Shmonei Esrei not come in the form of requesting and just in the form of statements?

Gidon Lyons,
Jerusalem

Rabbi Leff's response

It is well known that one cannot cry on Shabbat.

If I am moved by a divrei Torah, a moving story or a part of davening and moved to tears to connect to Hashem, have I done something wrong?

Gidon Lyons,
Jerusalem

Rabbi Leff's response

Why is it that the Gedolei Yisrael, and basically all the Jews in Europe for five hundred years, preferred to speak Yiddish as a vernacular as opposed to speaking in loshon Kodesh? I thank the Rav for taking his time out to help me with this question. Zai Gezunt

Dovid,
Long Island, NY

Rabbi Leff's response

Does the Torah tell us anything about ghosts, aliens, and something like the Lochness monster?

Anonymous,
Toronto

Rabbi Leff's response

My Chavruta told me that men have to cover their elbows and cited as proof the Mishna Berurah on Siman 2:1 which says "a man may expose his arms up to the 'kovdo'" Is this true? What are the laws of modesty for men and do they have the same level of stringency as for women.

T. Gordon,
Yerushalayim

Rabbi Leff's response

Where does the minhag of putting shoes on right-left and then tying them left-right?

Anonymous,
Toronto

Rabbi Leff's response

I have an interesting book written by fanatic Christian wackos. Nevertheless, there are some good points. The book is called "the power of positive thinking." It contains quotes from the bible including from the tanach. Is it asur to read this book in the bathroom? Thank you Rabbi Leff

Anonymous,
USA

Rabbi Leff's response

Where does the Minhag of wearing hats and jackets to Davening originate from?
Thank You.

Anonymous

Rabbi Leff's response

I've heard that the Chazon Ish Z"YA said that Lincoln was wrong for freeing the slaves, if this is true what was his reasoning? Does the Torah law to treat slaves well because we were slaves still apply to African Americans? Also I have unfortunately noticed a high amount of prejudice toward blacks in the Jewish community, how does the Rav feel about this, and how should one react to examples of prejudice?

Dovid B.
Long Island

Rabbi Leff's response

Concerning the practice of naming people with non-biblical or non Lashon-kodesh names (i.e. Yiddish Zalman or Israeli Oren) are these names really their names?, do they have a higher status than a purely secular name like Edward? Why are they used in calling a person up for an aliyah? and what is the mekor for the use of yiddish names, which generally are based in secular languages (i.e. Shlomo Zalman, or Yitchok Aizik) Thank you very much Rav Leff

Dovid B.
Long Island

Rabbi Leff's response

If one tied a permanent kesher on shabbos, if the knot is saved, can some of the damage be undone retroactively if one unties the knot on motzaei shabbos?

Thank you very much, chag kasher v'sameach.

Dovid B.
Long Island

Rabbi Leff's response

The Gemara in Megilla(12a says that there is a Machlokes Rav and Shmuel if Achashveirosh was a Melech Tipesh or Melech Pikeach for inviting the farther or closer people first to his seudah... I understand if it was that one said he should have don't it one way and one said the other way. But saying Melech Tipesh, that means that ( let's say Rav held he was smart for doing the way he did it ) that means that if he would have the choice to do it , he would have done it the same way. And Shmuel would be calling him Tipesh!?! How do we reconcile this apparent insult?
Thank you very much

Anonymous

Rabbi Leff's response

Is the Lubavitcher Rebbe Moshiach? Thank you

Ovi F.
Long Island, NY

Rabbi Leff's response

If G-d hates divorce, why did he allow Moses or make it available to gods people in the bible. did he allow his people to make decisions without asking in prayer first. Thank you.

Linda Filipiuk
Staten Islan, NY

Rabbi Leff's response

Does Minhag have to be based in Halachah.  I always understood that is what was what minhag is people refer to family Minhagim if they need to be based in halachah then some may not be minhagim that how the ideas of a minhag shtoos was formed. How did Minhagim form?

Isn't this against the codification of Halachah?

Gidon Lyons,
Jerusalem

Rabbi Leff's response

A friend of mine told me that if a Jewish women is the center of attention - that is if she sings on stage in front of women or giving a speech for women or even if she teaches - she breaches some level of HER tznius. If you teach - then for chinuch it's okay but it still breaches tznius.

If you do - and you want to keep the level of tznius you're on - should you stop teaching? Is there any way to do something to combat it?

Michal,
Switzerland

Rabbi Leff's response

I understand the concept of bitul (bitul b'rov, bitul b'shishim) that exists before Pesach. With Chametz this does not exist during Pesach as chametz is oser b'mahshehu (prohibited with the smallest amount).

If I have a pot which is chametzdik (used throughout the year for, say, making chicken soup). I thoroughly clean it so that there is no residue left. Now I use this pot to prepare chicken soup for Pesach. Is there anything wrong with this procedure since I can rely on bitul for any chametz that may derive from the walls of the pot (nosain tam). I have no intention of using the pot during Pesach.

Dovid Travers,
Melbourne, Australia

Rabbi Leff's response

We have a 4 year old apricot tree which is just now producing fruit. Is the fruit permitted to us or do we have to wait 3 years from the time it starts to give fruit?

Shoshana Roth,
Torrence, CA

Rabbi Leff's response

Many thanks to the Rav for taking time to answer this question.  Who was Lilith?  The only answer I have been given so far is that she was the predecessor of Chava.  But that is just a definition.  Who is she and what happened to her and why?

Aviva,
Baltimore, MD

Rabbi Leff's response

Who holds that one should wear the techailes that they have now? Thank you very much for this wonderful website.

Anonymous

Rabbi Leff's response

My friend is planning to get married on the third of Sivan. Is he exempt
from the custom of fasting before the wedding?

S.Z. Jessel,
Matityahu

Rabbi Leff's response

I am not a Rabbi, but in my Jewish community, something strange happens...:
In the Beth-HaKnesset of my Jewish community (Orthodox), from some months, comes to pray a Goy converted by the Conservative Jews... We do not count him for the Minyan.

But, during the Tfilah in the morning, he uses to wear the Tefillin (Ksherim). Is it allowed for a Conservative Jew (a Goy, in this case) to wear the Tefellin? Thanks!

Mordechai,
Italy

Rabbi Leff's response

What is the Rav's opinion on buying German made products like car and other things? Should I go out of my way not to buy them?

Zevi,
New Jersey

Rabbi Leff's response

I will like to know if a messianic Jew may indulge in smoking of India hemp smoking.
And also fact about the Jewish faith. I'm asking because I just got converted into the faith, and my parents are head bond on me to stop, simply because of the name 'Y-H-W-E-H'

Ejim Timothy,
Nigeria

Rabbi Leff's response

Is there a need to do teshuvah for sins transgressed before marriage, since chazal say getting married wipes away sins? Thank you and regards.

Erez Rozen,
Los Angeles

Rabbi Leff's response

What is the prohibition in taking a photograph on Shabbos with a simple camera that has no batteries? If one removes the film from a camera after exposure, one cannot discern anything whatsoever. In fact if no care is taken, NOTHING remains,
like writing on a water surface with a finger.

Anonymous

Rabbi Leff's response

I have 4 questions that have been bothering me.

1.  Can a Jewish man grow his hair long if he still wears a yarmulka?  Also can he cut it later or is he considered to be a nazir.

2. Sometimes on shabbos when you walk past peoples homes their automatic lights turn on.  Are you considered to be a mechalel shabbas, do you have to walk in the street and not on the sidewalk if this problem is prevalent in your neighborhood.

3.  If a Jewish man knows that he has cancer and will get radiation treatment, is he allowed to bank his sperm for future use so he won't have to worry about being infertile or having disabled children?

4.  What is the rabbi's opinion on "survival of the fittest" according to Charles Darwin is it against torah thought?

A.K.,
New York

Rabbi Leff's response

It has become more and more common these days to see men learning all day while the wives work. I am a little confused about this. I was under the impression that the man is supposed to work while the mother is supposed to stay home and teach the kids the proper way. Rambam also says that a man should not learn without working because it is a disgrace to Hashem's name. I was listening to parshas Yisro in shul a few weeks back and when the baal korei read the commandment about shabbos, I noticed it says that six days a week you shall work. That sort of language sounds like its mandatory not optional. I am not knocking people that learn all day; I am just trying to understand. Thank you very much for this service and the great website. Much Hatzlacha.

Zev,
Lakewood, NJ

Rabbi Leff's response

We hear each day of people waiting for organ donations. 1: Can and should we sign up to be organ donors, halachically speaking and 2: if halachically it is permissible then are we obligated to do so.

Moshe,
Eretz Yisrael

Rabbi Leff's response

Kvod HaRav Shlita,

I thank the Rav for taking time to answer my question.

I attended to a "Hebrew Academy" in America with a girl, who eventually turned her back on Judaism while studying law, married an Arab who she defended in court (arrested and imprisoned for terror activities by the Israelis),lives in Bethlehem and works as a virulent anti-Israel lawyer for the UN, and acts on behalf of Hamas terrorists and their families. I am greatly saddened by what she has become. Does the Rav have any suggestions on any ways that may help bring her back to Yiddishkeit?

Also, what is the Din regarding Jews who support Arab murderers who kill Jews, such as the Neturei Karta who actively support the PLO? May one buy a Mezuzah or Tefillin from a Neturei Karta Sofer? May they be counted in a minyan? May we eat meat shechted by a Neturei Karta shochet? Is there a difference between the Din of Neturei Karta here in Eretz Yisroel as opposed to those who live in Chul?

Kol Tuv, and many thanks.

Akiva,
Eretz Yisrael

Rabbi Leff's response

When Amoraim or Rishonim qualify the statements of their predecessors and limit their statements to a very specific case, do we have to assume that was really  the intention of the braisa or maimra, or is it merely the amora's/rishon's interpretation?

Yossi,
New York

Rabbi Leff's response

Why is it that Avraham Avinu pleads for the city of Sedom but does not say a word when Hakadosh Boruch Hu commnads him to kill his own son? I recently heard a pshat that seems heretical that Avraham actually failed for this reason. Can the Rav please explain- Thank you.

Anonymous

Rabbi Leff's response

I recently saw a Beis Halevi which says that hishtadlus is merely a heter given because one may not yet be on a madrega where he realizes that everything is from Hakadosh Boruch Hu. After hearing many shmoozim on Bitachon I still haven't been able to get a straight answer on how one is to evaluate the balance between hishtadlus and bitachon in a practical manner. Will the Rav please offer some specific guidelines or methods of being able to tell where one is at and how one can tell if he has real bitachon or is merely fooling himself. Thank you very much for your time.

Yossi,
New York

Rabbi Leff's response

my pregnant wife have to take vitamins with a hechsher?

Aharon Natinsky,
Neve Yaakov

Rabbi Leff's response

When Yaakov purchased the b'chora from Eisav, did that include the brachos, & if so why was it necessary to trick Yitzchok into thinking he was Eisov, why couldn't he just show him the proof of purchase?

T. Nathan,
New York

Rabbi Leff's response

I am doing a project for my World Religions course in school and the topic that I need to research is: If G-d is so powerful, why is there suffering in the world?  I have researched this topic and have only found the Christian side to the story; however, I need the Jewish side to it.  Could you please tell me what the Torah has to say about this topic?

Ariel Picillo,
Toronto

Rabbi Leff's response

Is there any problem (such as b'chukosayhem losaylaychu - following the ways of the nations) in going to a sporting event at a stadium?

Thanks !

T. Nathan,
New York

Rabbi Leff's response

Since I am in the parsha of shidduchim, may I leave my cell-phone on during davening as it might be a shidduch call which the shadchan will forget about completely if I don't answer?

Anonymous,
Haifa

Rabbi Leff's response

Dear Rabbi Leff,

Firstly, I wanted to say that what you do here on your website is an incredible mitzvah and you should be zoche to many years of hatzlocha because of this service!

Now on to my question: I went to a Bais Yaakov school where some girls who get married are lax in covering their hair completely, leaving about an inch or so of hair sticking out of their shetyls.

I would like to know the Torah view on this. Is it allowed? Is it totally an aveira? I read the teshuva of Rav Moshe Feinstein awhile back and it seems to me that it only applied in a certain woman's case. Because of this many women seem to be using it as an excuse to leave that half a tefach showing because "technically" it's not showing the amount that is completely assur.

I would appreciate any input you have on this subject as it's a very sore topic among many people. Thank you again.

Anonymous,
Switzerland

Rabbi Leff's response

Dear Rabbi Leff,

How does one refrain from doing an aveira (particularly under the category of "lo sasuru acharay levavchem") that he is prone to doing? I heard that learning Torah is an option. What happens if you are a girl? How can she stop herself from doing it again (and again)

I'd appreciate some practical examples. Thank you very much for all your help - tizku l'mitzvos!

Anonymous

Rabbi Leff's response

I want to grow long-curls (peyos) like Orthodox Jewish men do? Could you please email me, telling "step-by-step" on "how to" grow them?

Anonymous,
New Hampshire

Rabbi Leff's response

Many places in the siddur, as well as in common parlance, we use the phrase "Ribono shel olam."  Why is it "Ribono?"  Doesn't that mean His mastery?  Shouldn't it be "Ribon shel olam?"

Robert,
USA

Rabbi Leff's response

For the sake of Chinuch, Loving your children and Shalom Bayit, how should a parent deal with a child that is having difficulty in adhering to mitzvot, without turning them away? How do you deal with the other children who you hope will not be affected negatively by the experience?

Moshe,
Israel

Rabbi Leff's response

Some girls from my high school recently designed a sweatshirt which has "im ain kemach ain Torah" written on the back. Would one be allowed to wear this sweatshirt in the bathroom?

Anonymous,
Brooklyn

Rabbi Leff's response

Concerning the bracha of a Rebbe or great Rav.

1. When Hashem responds to him and not to others, how does this work. Surely Hashem does not change His mind, and why does He respond, so as to speak to the Rebbe and not the ill person for example?

2. Are those people who have never heard of this concept at a disadvantage?

Many thanks.

Reuvein Ben Dov,
Har Nof

Rabbi Leff's response

If the purpose of tefilla is to change ourselves and raise ourselves up to be mekabel Hashems gifts,then why is their a chiuv to daven btzibur or with a specific nusach? What if one finds it easier to focus and daven bychidus or in his own words?

Yossi,
New York

Rabbi Leff's response

Dear Rabbi Leff,

I recently moved to Zurich , Switzerland and plan to stay there only temporarily.
For the moment I am there for over a year and a half and i intend to stay for another year.

Somebody from shul where i often daven came over to me asking me if i would like to become a member of that shul. Is there any obligation to be a member of a shul/community? ( Zurich has two main communities)

Anonymous,
Zurich, Switzerland

Rabbi Leff's response

If I am in the middle of the bracha to be mekadesh levana and someone comes over to me and says sholom aleichem, am I allowed to answer aleichem sholom or is it a hefsik?

Zevi,
New Jersey

Rabbi Leff's response

Oftentimes, when I wake up, I need to run to the bathroom. Is this a problem, since I go before I have a chance to say Modeh Ani, and netilas yadaim?

Thank you.

Anonymous,
England

Rabbi Leff's response

May I preface this question by stating that I my intent is not to be mezalzel in the minhag in question, just to understand it: Certain Chassidic groups have the custom that women who get married must shave their heads. Is not one of the purposes of a wife to be "beautiful" for her husband? As Chazal say says "En Isha Ela LeYOFI, Lebanim Ultachshtin". In addition, we find that in order to make the ISH YEFAT TOAR ugly, she too mush shave her head! I was told that there is a midrash that states: When Abraham went down to mitzrayim he said "I didn't know till now how beautiful you (Sara) was - this refers to his seeing her hair. Surely the above indicates that hair shaving should be frowned upon. I personally know of someone who was present at a wedding, when after the BEDEKENING a screen was put up and the KALA was shaved. I was told she broke down as this happened. She was then led to her chupa, after this "humiliating experience.

My question is how does the above conform with the time old principle "DERACHEA DARCHE NOAM VEKOL NETIVOTEA SHALOM?" Is this what Hashem expects?
Furthermore I have heard explanations that the shaving is done, based on the zohar, to prevent chatzsisa at the time of tevila? If so, how come all other Jews for centuries were happy to have someone watching over to ensure "EN SEAR SAF AL PENE HAMAYIM" ??

Please clarify is possible the above minhag.
Thank You

Raphy Garson,
Har Nof, Jerusalem

Rabbi Leff's response

Which is the religious point of view (in the Orthodox Judaism) about the problem of the evil and the Shoah?

Rabbi Leff's response

I've read that Rav kook had the practice of refraining from meat aside from on Shabbos. Additionally I've read that others have endorsed similar views, how does the Rav feel about this?

Dovid B.,
Long Island, NY

Rabbi Leff's response

May one eat in a restaurant whose proprietor feels that the Lubavitcher Rebbe is the moshiach, if it is under a widely accepted hashgacha? Furthermore, is it permitted for a person to daven in a shul where the majority of the congregants feel that the Rebbe zt"l is moshiach, and perhaps participate in the recitation of Yechi?

Dovid B.,
Long Island, NY

Rabbi Leff's response

My wife and I live in Jerusalem and my only other family in Israel is a non-religious cousin, who I am quite close to, who lives in Tel Aviv. The only opportunity to really see each other is over Shabbos. If my cousin asks to come for a Shabbos meal (where she would be driving in) is there any reason to allow her to do so or should I try avoiding it completely.

Thanks so much for this incredible service!!

Anonymous

Rabbi Leff's response

In the church there are persons with different gifts of the spirit that god has given to them .I want to known is the color that represents each gift of the spirit. In regards to Joseph's coat of many colors
do the colors of the coat represents the different gifts of the spirit.

What does Richard means in Hebrew?

Anonymous

Rabbi Leff's response

Shalom Ubracha!  If one learns that his doctor is engaged in insurance fraud on an ongoing basis, by charging for procedures which never occurred, is it mesirah to notify the insurance company?  What if one is reasonably confidant the insurance company will notify the attorney general?

Yitzchok Shuster,
Forest Hills, NY

Rabbi Leff's response

Why is it that Jews today seem to be of different descents; that is, there is a variety of skin tones, etc.  Historically, can we be 100% certain that Jews today have descended throughout the ages without intermarrying with other nations.  For example, is it possible that Sephardic Jews may be darker or Ashkenazic Jews may be lighter as a consequence of marrying into the native people of those places?  Thank you for clarifying.

Anonymous

Rabbi Leff's response

Having just returned from Eretz Yisrael, I have found that most American  are completely ignorant of what the real differences are between mehadrin and non mehadrin hechsharim in Israel (for example, the “regular”Rabbunat Hechsher in Yerushalayim and Rabbunat Mehadrin Yerushalayim).

Can the Rav please tell us in very practical terms what the differences are?   Are dairy restaurants that are not mehadrin just as problematic as meat restaurants?

Adam,
Cedarhurst, NY

Rabbi Leff's response

Having had a sexual relationship for two years and then no sexual contact for the last year and still have a strong relationship and discovering we are still happy after the year it is necessary to become shomer negiah? If so why, since the contact has already taken place?

Anonymous,
Scotland

Rabbi Leff's response

What is Goral Hagra?
From where did it originate?
How does it work?
Does it work today in 5764 ?

Thanks very much and Hazlachah with all your wonderful work.

Gidon Lyons,
Jerusalem

Rabbi Leff's response

You recently wrote an article on parshat Shmot called "Living to Work."  Aish.com published your writing and it was a fabulous article, quite illuminating.  The only thing I didn't understand was your usage of the word avodah.  You defined avodah as purposeless work/menial labor.  But I thought the work done in the Beit HaMikdash was Avodah and that certainly was not purposeless or menial.  I also thought that, according to Pirkei Avot, the world stands on three things, one of them being Avodah (which is often understood as prayer); I would be surprised if one of the three pillars of the world is meaningless/menial work.   How do we reconcile all of this?

Mark Newman.
USA

Rabbi Leff's response

I am flying to Italy arriving one half hour after Netz ( 8:30 ) However I leave Israel one hour before Netz in Israel which is 6:30 AM . When should I daven. If I should daven in Italy , can I eat the breakfast before. I need the answer today since I am flying late tonight. Thank you

Yaakov,
Jerusalem

Rabbi Leff's response

I learned in school that when it is time for kedusha - one raises themselves on their toes for kadosh, baruch, and yimloch. For some reason, many women in various shuls bow at the waist. Are they doing something that is incorrect? Is what they are doing equivilant to the lifting of one's feet?

Another Question: I also learned that by Kadish - when we say "Amen, yehay..." you're supposed to bow low like you do by barchu. Many men and women just stand there - I've seen it in a lot of shuls. Are they doing something wrong too?

If these things are not done in the correct way - should I enlighten them?

Michal,
Switzerland

Rabbi Leff's response

Dear Rabbi Leff,

If someone you worked with (a goy) gets engaged to a Jewish girl, is it forbidden to congratulate him?

Anonymous,
New York

Rabbi Leff's response

There has been a lot of discussion about how publishers of gedolim biographies revise and censor out much of what that gadol did in order to make him look like a preset image of an "ideal" gadol. Does the Rav hold that this is right or wrong?

Moshe Peretz Mann,
Eretz Yisrael

Rabbi Leff's response

I teach college and prepare students for debate using factual material. I have been unable to find research or academic level material against yeshiva draft. Can you help? Thank you

Linda Wolff,
Israel

Rabbi Leff's response

I graduated elementary school 23 yrs ago.  This past week my friends and I have " found each other" and we have been e-mailing back and forth. Tonight motzei shabbos when I checked my mail I saw that one person e-mailed on shabbos to me and the group.  Obviously she isn't shomer shabbos.  Should I say something?
Thanks so much.

Miriam,
Brooklyn, NY

Rabbi Leff's response

You discussed the idea of "developing your potential" in last weeks shabbos drasha and in the past.
As we know the name of a person is expressive of his qualities and capabilities.

My question is: How do I know what my capabilities are? How do I know what my purpose is in this life? Shall I look at my name and then look in chazal what that name represents?
In addition at a bris we give the name to a child. Does that mean that whatever name we choose, his name will represent his qualities?

Anonymous,
US

Rabbi Leff's response

Dear Rabbi Leff,

Is Knitting allowed on Motzoei Shabbos for pleasure?

Anonymous,
Switzerland

Rabbi Leff's response

Kvod HaRav, Shalom U'Vracha,
Does one need to stand inside the shul/beis medrash to be included in the minyan, or is it enough to be standing by the door or within sight and sound of the other people davening?

Akiva,
Eretz Yisrael

Rabbi Leff's response

It is frightfully cold here in Massachusetts , and my hands get painfully chapped.  Could you please explain to me how many times I must wash my hands with a vessel (since I already wash them after they become soiled and after using the restroom and before I prepare food).  Between the restroom and the food, I am already washing my hands at least a half dozen times a day with soap and water.

Robert,
Massachussetts

Rabbi Leff's response

What is the Rav's opinion of movies that have Torahedik themes (like there is a another dimension more "real" than this one, and our actions help influence how it interacts with us)being used to help teach Jewish concepts to nonobservant Jews?

Anonymous,
USA

Rabbi Leff's response

L'chvod Harav Leff-

1) Why is it that frumkeit with women have been based on covering hair or not and if a women wears pants. Does this have Rabbinic source and origin, or is it something that the Jewish communities have decided themselves. Why are these 2 Isureim from the Torah chosen? What about Lashon Hara or any other things that are forbidden or required by the Torah? Lashon Hara may be widespread unfortunaly, but why should that make a difference? It is still forbidden from the Torah. What about other Mitzvos Bein Adom L'chavairo? Doesn't the penimius of a person matter as well? Is it not just as important to be a mentch?

2) I heard that a person is not allowed to trust the kashrus of a married women who doesn't cover her hair. Is this idea true and does it have any Rabbinic origin? Why?
 
I would like to thank the Rav for taking time, I really appreciate it very much.

Adina,
Chicago

Rabbi Leff's response

After learning SIMAN 257 in SH"A, the following question arose. Is one allowed to send a document with DHL/Fed Ex. on Friday? IS this considered "KEILU" you instructed the goy to deliver the document on Shabbat or not? I can not find the question discussed in the acharonim. Your view and perhaps some MEKOROT would be much appreciated.

Thanks again for your time and a superb service. CHAZAK UBARUCH

Raphy Garson,
Har Nof, Jerusalem

Rabbi Leff's response

Is there an prohibition involved if one rents out a hall for a function, when the hall in question is owned by a reform shul? Can the reasoning that one who rents the hall is considered the owner of the hall, be a reason to permit it? Thanks.

Raphy Garson,
Har Nof, Jerusalem

Rabbi Leff's response

If a first born baby boy is not well enough to have the bris on time can you have the pidyon haben before the bris?If you can does it proceed as normal? Thank you for you time.

Zev,
Lakewood, NJ

Rabbi Leff's response

We recently had a very negative experience with a furniture store, and we know that they lied to us on more than one occasion. We are wondering if it is permitted for us to publicize our experience (in effect, to warn others), or would it be considered lashon hara?

Anonymous,
Beit Shemesh

Rabbi Leff's response

: I have a non-Jewish friend who is unaffiliated to any religion however has always looked to Judaism in search of truths. He has been asking me recently (via email) if I could explain the role of the Non-Jew in the eyes of Judaism both in this world and in Olam HaBa. Could you please clarify and give me guidelines as to what areas I am permitted to answer him in.

Thanks

Anonymous,
Israel

Rabbi Leff's response

Is a Kohen permitted to go to a reform levaya (for wifes grandfather) and cover the aron with earth as all relatives present are elderly the niftar was a kohen and the kevura will be in the kohens section of reform cemetery?

R. Stepsky,
London

Rabbi Leff's response

What is the daas torah on religious Zionism? Thanks!

T. Nathan,
New York

Rabbi Leff's response

What is the bare minimum of men necessary answering amen to the chazras hashatz, i.e. how many have to have finished their 18 before the chazzan can begin?

Thanks for a wonderful service to Klal Yisroel !

T. Nathan,
New York

Rabbi Leff's response

What tshuva (repentance) should a person do for the aveiros (sins) of hotzoas zerah l'vatalah (spilling one's seed) & the violation of hilchos tznius bein ish l'ishto (modesty between a man and his wife)?

Thanks for all you do !

Anonymous

Rabbi Leff's response

What are the parameters of being halachikally connected to the mesorah (tradition)? If one doesnt to attatch himself to a Rebbe Muvhak or doesnt inherit a specific derech halimud', is this person somewhat outside of the mesorah?

Yossi,
New York

Rabbi Leff's response

Is it more university than yeshiva or is it more yeshiva than university?

Thanks!

Anonymous

Rabbi Leff's response

I know that we're not allowed to use lights on shabbos, because when we turn them on that might create a spark somewhere in the generator. But what if we were to come up with a method of creating lights (by the use of chemicals or nuclear reactions) where no sparks are involved. Are we allowed to use them then, and also, how does this opinion extend to the use of electricity that has nothing to do with lights?

Anonymous,
USA

Rabbi Leff's response

Is it possible for Chazal to make mistakes regarding scientific & other non halachic information e.g spontaneous generation? Is the existence of the parsha of "par helem dovor" proof that they could make a mistake? Is the scientific & medical info in shas (Talmud) considered torah shel baal peh that was received at Sinai?

Thank you !

TN,
New York

Rabbi Leff's response

What are the halacos for women regarding shaving?

Thank you

Anonymous,
USA

Rabbi Leff's response

My eight year old son Yonnason asked his Rebbe last year a question. I have an answer but could not find anyone who speaks about. In Sefer Shmos Perek Gimmel Pasuk Ches Hashem tells Moshe that (Benei Yisroel) will go up from the land of Mitzryim to Eretz Tova Urchava El Arutz Zavas Chalav Udvash El Makom Ha Kahani... however in Pasuk Yud Zion when Hashem tells Moshe to tell Ziknay Yisroel it says El Eretz Kahani and then Eretz Zavas Chalav Udvash?

I am thinking when Hashem speaks to Moshe, Moshe is on the level to hear the greatness of the land of Israel first and is not concerned about the difficulty of the Jewish nation occupying a land that has many inhabitants. When Hashem instructs the Moshe to tell the Ziknay Yisroel he must speak on their level which would be first concerned with the occupants of Eretz Yisroel.
What does the Rav think?
Thank you.

Emanuel Gentilcore
Beitar Illit, Israel

Rabbi Leff's response

If a person's second name is left on on the ketubah, is this a problem that should be fixed? Should I fill it in myself or would I need aidim or someone else to do it. I was told by a rabbi it is okey but wonder if he is in error.

Anonymous,
Eretz Yisrael

Rabbi Leff's response

In the decades preceding WWII, many people preferred to remain in Europe and risk their life in spite of the imminent danger rather than emigrate to America and into what they perceived as an environment where it would be very difficult to remain shomer torah umitzvos. But what is the actual halacha with regard to that decision? Is one halachicly obligated to give up his life if he has a choice between being killed or moving to a place where it will be difficult to remain frum?

Moshe Peretz Mann,
Eretz Yisrael

Rabbi Leff's response

My children would like to get a dog. I was told by a rebbe in yeshiva that "Real Jews don't have dogs". And I live in a frum community where having dogs is frowned upon. And I've heard people say that if you have enough love and resources to share with a dog, then why not have another child and give your love and resources to the child rather than a dog. Now I don't really care either way whether we have a dog or not, but it would make my children happy, and they would be taking care of it, not me (yeah, right!). My son has said to me that we have the mitzva of "tzaar baalei chaim", and we are commanded to feed our pets before ourselves, so why, he asks, are we not allowed to have a dog which would give us the opportunity to fulfill these mitzvahs. Is there any halacha or minhag which prohibits owning a dog? How about other pets? Why is it that I see many frum families with fish, birds or even hamsters, etc, but not dogs or cats. Is there something inherently wrong with a dog? I've heard that the Maharal says that the word for dog in Hebrew - kelev is related to the words "kol lev" - all heart, and that sounds like a positive thing. Would the Rav please comment? Thank you very much.

Anonymous

Rabbi Leff's response

How do you know if an Ayin Hara is placed on you? If a Rav tells you that there is one on you, how do you remove it? What is the truth behind the "red string"?

Anonymous,
NYC

Rabbi Leff's response

Within our community is an academic who is highly critical of Israeli government policies and makes some of the Jewish students very uncomfortable with his pro-Palestinian views. What are the Shmiras Haloshen rules about what would be the "kosher" way to go about criticizing Israeli policies and politicians? He is getting older and I think is somewhat vulnerable and so I feel that if I presented him with a true Torah answer, he might do less public slandering of Israel. Many thanks.

Cherille,
USA

Rabbi Leff's response

Does one get a mitzvah for learning Torah in a dream?

Moshe Peretz Mann,
Eretz Yisrael

Rabbi Leff's response

The Medrash states that as a child is born, the Malach comes and punches it under the nose and that is why we have an indentation under our nose. But I saw a photograph of an unborn fetus that already had an indentation. How does the Rav explain this?

Moshe Peretz Mann,
Eretz Yisrael

Rabbi Leff's response